Mccordsville City Zoning Code

SIGN STANDARDS

§ 154.140 SIGN STANDARDS.

(A) The intent of this subchapter is to further the goals of the Comprehensive Plan; avoid the proliferation of signage; encourage signs to be compatible with the scale of buildings and the surrounding features; maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment of the community; eliminate potential hazards to motorists and pedestrians resulting from signs; and promote the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of McCordsville. Anyone wishing to vary from the following standards is hereby required to obtain a development standards variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals pursuant to this chapter.

(B) Noncommercial messages may be displayed on any sign authorized to display commercial messages.

(Ord. 121410, passed 1-11-2011; Ord. 041216A, passed 4-12-2016)

§ 154.141 PROHIBITED SIGNS.

Refer to Chapter 154, Appendix E, Sign Standards Matrix, for a list of permitted signs, by zoning district. The following types of signs are hereby expressly prohibited from being located within the jurisdiction of the Plan Commission.

(A) Individual pole signs. Individual pole signs, or individual free-standing signs, are hereby prohibited from being located within the jurisdiction of the Plan Commission.

(B) Portable signs. Unless expressly permitted by this subchapter, all portable signs, including those involving any element of human movement are hereby prohibited from being located within the jurisdiction of the Plan Commission.

(C) Animated signs. Signs that utilize any flashing lights, motion picture, laser, or visual projection of images or copy in conjunction with any business or advertisement.

(D) Emissions. Signs that emit audible sound, odor or visible matter.

(E) Imitation of official signs. Signs that purport to be, are an imitation of, or resemble an official traffic sign or signal or which bear the words “Stop”, “Slow”, “Caution”, “Danger”, “Warning”, or similar words.

(F) Imitation of emergency vehicles. Signs that may be construed as a light of an emergency or road equipment vehicle.

(G) Visual impairment. Signs that hide any traffic or roadway sign, signal or device from view, or that interfere with the sight visibility standards as defined by this chapter (see § 154.116).

(H) Encroachment. Unless otherwise expressly permitted by this chapter, signs that are located in any planned right-of-way including those posted on utility poles or street signs are prohibited. Projecting signs specified as permitted in this subchapter and approved by the Town Council may be allowed to encroach on the public rights-of-way, provided they remain otherwise lawful.

(I) Obstruction. Signs that obstruct any door, fire escape, stairway, or any opening intended to provide entrance or exit for any structure.

(J) Vehicle signs. Signs placed on vehicles or trailers parked on public or private property primarily for the purpose of displaying the sign, as determined by the Administrative Officer, or his or her designee. Prohibited vehicle signs do not include those displayed on vehicles parked for the purpose of lawfully making deliveries, or sales or service calls. Prohibited signs do not include vehicles which are customarily used for transporting persons or properties, or vehicles parked at a driver’s place of residence during non-business hours.

(K) Poster signs. Posters, placards and other similar signs attached to light poles, gas station canopy supports, trees, and elsewhere outdoors that are not included as permitted temporary or permanent signs as described by this subchapter.

(L) Permanent roof-mounted signs. Signs that are mounted to the roof of a structure or are mounted to the wall of a structure and extend higher than the wall of the structure.

(M) Inflatable signs. Inflatable signs are hereby expressly prohibited from locating within the jurisdiction of the Plan Commission.

(N) People signs. Signs which are held by people, and not attached to a building or the ground, that are within the right-of-way are expressly prohibited.

(Ord. 121410, passed 1-11-2011; Ord. 041216A, passed 4-12-2016)

§ 154.142 EXEMPT SIGNS.

The following signs are exempt from all provisions of this chapter if in compliance with the conditions specified for each. A sign permit shall not be required.

(A) Minor wall signs. Permanent wall signs constructed using stone, concrete, bronze, precious metals, brick, or other similar material and made an integral part of the structure shall be permitted. No more than one such sign shall be permitted per frontage, per building. The maximum size shall be four square feet in a commercial, industrial, public/semi-public, or Town Center zoning district, and one square foot in a residential and Old Town zoning district.

(B) Minor ground signs. Minor ground signs, which shall be permanent in manner, are permitted in commercial, industrial, and Town Center zoning districts. Such signs are limited to no more than two and one-half square feet of sign area and three and one-half feet in height, as measured from grade. Such signs may be non-illuminated or internally illuminated. Internally illuminated signs shall only illuminate sign content, not the entire sign cabinet. Such signs shall be no closer than two feet from any existing or planned right-of-way. No property, parcel, or lot shall have more than three minor ground signs.

(C) Public signs. Public signs erected by or on the order of public official(s) in the performance of public duty, such as signs to promote safety, no trespassing, or traffic signs; memorial plaques; signs of historical interest; and signs directing people to public facilities. All such public signs shall require approval of the Administrative Officer, or his or her designee.

(D) Utility marker signs. Utility signs necessary to mark cables and lines for public and private utilities unless such signs are determined to be a hazard by the Administrative Officer, or his or her designee.

(E) Emergency signs. Emergency signs, such as those used and authorized by the Administrative Officer, Public Works Department, Utilities, Fire Department or Police Department, or those places of employment that are required by law to display emergency information for their employees.

(F) Window signs. No window sign shall exceed 10% of the window area, nor shall any individual letter be greater than three inches in size.

(G) Yard signs. A free-standing sign constructed of lightweight and/or non-durable materials intended to be displayed for a short period. All properties may display a yard sign. Such signage shall be limited to three square feet in sign area, and no more than four feet in height, as measured from grade level. No more than one such sign, per frontage, shall be displayed at one time. Such sign shall be allowed to be displayed no more than three times per calendar year. Each time the sign is displayed is limited to no more than 35 consecutive days. All such signs shall be placed a minimum of two feet from any property line or right-of-way line. In no instance shall such a sign be placed within an existing or planned right-of-way or private street. Such sign shall not be illuminated. Additionally, any residential property of less than one acre that is for-sale/lease is permitted an additional yard sign, in compliance with the standards noted above, until the transaction closes.

(H) Supplementary wall signs. Each property in any residential and Old Town zoning district is entitled to supplementary wall signage. Such signage shall be limited to three square feet in sign area, and must be attached to the primary structure of the lot. Additionally, the wall sign shall be located no higher than 12 feet from grade. No more than one supplementary wall sign is permitted per lot at any time. Supplementary wall signs shall be permitted up to two times per calendar year. In no such instance shall a wall sign be up for more than 120 consecutive days. Such sign shall not be illuminated.

(I) Traffic signs and pavement marker. Private directional traffic signs and pavement markings intended to direct and control the movement of traffic into, out of, and within the site shall comply with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices as published by the Indiana Department of Transportation.

(J) Pond warning sign. Permanent pond safety signs are required for all ponds constructed after the effective date of this chapter. The minimum size is one square foot and the maximum size is two square feet. Such signs shall be placed no more than 500 feet apart, with no less than four signs per pond. A sign must be placed at all public access areas to the pond. Signs must be constructed of wood, composite wood, or metal. At a minimum such signs shall have the words “No Swimming” and “No Ice Skating,” along with the “No Swimming” symbol. Such signs shall be installed by the developer and the subsequent maintenance of such shall be the responsibility of the homeowners’ association or property owners’ association. “No Swimming” and “No Ice Skating” signs shall be posted at all detention and retention ponds in all developments. In instances where a pond will be stocked with fish or where fishing may otherwise be possible, a sign shall be installed warning that “anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.”

(K) A-frame signs. One A-frame sign may be permitted for each occupied tenant space located on a property in a commercial, industrial, or Town Center zoning district, provided the sign area does not exceed six square feet, and the height does not exceed four feet, as measured from grade level. Such signs are to be displayed outside only between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (EST) or 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. (EDT). A-frame temporary signs may be located within the right-of-way, provided the sign is at least five feet from the nearest roadway’s travel or parking lane. Under no circumstance can any A-frame sign be located more than ten feet from a primary structure. A-frame signage cannot be displayed at the same time other temporary signage is displayed.

(L) Ground sign. As detailed in § 154.145(A)(3).

(Ord. 121410, passed 1-11-2011; Ord. 111114, passed 11-11-2014; Ord. 041216A, passed 4-12-2016; Ord. 111020C, passed 12-8-2020)

§ 154.143 GENERAL SIGN STANDARDS.

Except as otherwise expressly provided for by this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any property owner(s) to erect, construct, enlarge, move or convert any sign within the jurisdiction of the Plan Commission, or cause the same to be done without first obtaining a sign permit as required by this chapter. The following general sign standards apply to all signs within the jurisdiction of the Plan Commission.

(A) Measuring sign area and height. The sign area shall be calculated by multiplying the maximum vertical dimension by the maximum horizontal dimension including the extreme limits of characters, lettering or figures. The sign height shall be measured from the grade at the edge of the adjacent right-of-way to the highest point of the sign, and include any poles or other supports unless otherwise specified in this subchapter. In no case shall sign height be measured from the top of any berm or other artificial grade.

(B) Inspection. Signs for which a permit is required may be inspected periodically by the Administrative Officer, or his or her designee, for compliance with this chapter.

(C) Removal of sign. The Administrative Officer, or his or her designee, may order the removal of any sign erected or maintained in violation of this subchapter, at the cost of the property owner(s), consistent with the provisions of this subchapter.

(D) Maintenance. All signs and their components shall be kept in good repair and in safe, neat, clean, attractive, and structurally sound condition as determined by the Administrative Officer, or his or her designee. Owners shall repair or otherwise cause any sign not found to be in good repair and in safe, neat, clean, attractive and structurally sound condition to comply with this subchapter within ten days of notice of violation by the Administrative Officer. Owners shall, within 30 days of the removal of a sign, and at the owner's expense, patch and paint damaged areas when signs are removed.

(E) Abandoned sign structures. A sign structure, including all poles, frames, supports, and other structural, electrical, mechanical, and other elements, shall be removed by the owner(s) of the premises, at the owner’s expense, upon which it is located if the property is unused for a period of six months or longer. A sign face is also considered abandoned when the use to which it relates is no longer in existence or operational for a period of at least 30 days. In such a scenario the owner(s) of the sign structure shall have the sign area noting the use no longer in existence or operational removed from the sign structure and replaced with another sign or a sign blank. Under no circumstances shall a sign face be removed and the inside of a cabinet sign be exposed.

(F) Illuminated signs. Internally and externally illuminated signs shall be permitted, provided the illuminated sign complies with the following provisions:

(1) All illuminated signs shall meet the standards as specified in the National Electrical Code. Signs that are only partially illuminated shall meet all electrical requirements for that portion that is illuminated.

(2) All electrical wiring shall be in conduit and not exposed to the elements or external stress.

(3) The full number of illuminating elements shall be kept in satisfactory working condition or immediately repaired or replaced.

(4) Neither the direct nor reflected light from an illuminated sign shall create a traffic hazard to operators of motorized vehicles on any roadway.

(5) The light from any illuminated sign in any zoning district shall be shaded, shielded, or directed to prevent spillage onto adjacent properties. In no instance shall the light intensity or brightness exceed 0.3 foot-candles at the property line of any adjacent property located in a residential zoning district, or 0.5 foot candles at the property line of any adjacent property located in a non-residential zoning district.

(6) All illuminated signs shall have a disconnecting switch located in a readily accessible place.

(7) See additional limitations set forth for changeable copy and electronic message board signs in this subchapter.

(G) Enforcement. The enforcement of violations of the provisions of this subchapter shall be as provided by this chapter.

(H) Vacant land. Properties without a primary structure shall not be permitted a permanent sign.

(I) Sign tags/stickers. The Zoning Administrator and/or his or her designee may place tags/stickers indicating a sign is approved and, if the sign is temporary or exempt, the applicable expiration date on any sign within town limits.

(Ord. 121410, passed 1-11-2011; Ord. 041216-A, passed 4-12-2016)

§ 154.144 SIGN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS, GENERAL.

(A) Design. All signage shall be designed to be an integral part of the architectural and landscaping plans.

(B) Compatibility. The colors, materials, and style of signage shall be architecturally compatible and accentuate the buildings and landscaping on the site. The colors, materials, and lighting of every sign shall be restrained and harmonious with the building and site to which it principally relates. In no instance shall a sign compete with or obstruct the visibility of the signage of an adjacent property so long as the signage of the adjacent property is also in compliance with this chapter.

(C) Scale and proportion. Every sign shall be designed so as to be proportionate with the scale and design of the principal building to which it relates as well as the surrounding area, as determined by the Administrative Officer, or his or her designee.

(D) Graphic elements. The number of graphic elements on a sign shall be held to the minimum needed to convey the sign’s major message and shall be composed in proportion to the area of the sign face.

(E) Sign components. All sign components shall meet or exceed Underwriters Laboratories (UL) specifications.

(F) Double-faced sign. Unless otherwise prohibited by this subchapter, all signs permitted by this subchapter may be constructed as a double-faced sign. In these instances, only the sign area of one of the two sides shall be used to calculate sign area, provided that the two sides are identical and placed back-to-back, and that the maximum distance between the two sides does not exceed two feet at any point.

(G) Wall sign dimension. All wall signs using letters shall utilize individually mounted letters affixed directly on a wall or raceway. A wall sign may incorporate the use of a cabinet sign; however, the cabinet is limited to 25% of the permitted sign area.

(H) Sign removal. When a wall sign is removed from the façade of a building all previous mounting holes and ghosting images shall be removed and the façade shall match the existing condition of the building. The property owner shall be responsible for the maintenance and restoration of the building façade at the time the existing sign is removed.

(Ord. 121410, passed 1-11-2011; Ord. 041216-A, passed 4-12-2016)

§ 154.145 TEMPORARY SIGNS.

(A) In addition to the signs permitted by this subchapter, the following temporary signage may be permitted as described and restricted below. A permit shall be required each time a temporary sign is to be used, unless otherwise denoted herein. All temporary signs shall meet the following requirements:

(B) Temporary signs are permitted in all zoning districts as detailed herein.

(1) Types of temporary signs permitted:

(a) Ground sign. A free-standing sign constructed of rigid materials intended to be displayed for a designated period.

(b) Wall sign. A hanging, or mounted sign, usually to a building, constructed of vinyl, fabric, or similar material intended to be displayed for a designated period. Such signs are not to be attached to fences, balconies, railings, or grounds.

(2) Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.

(3) Sign standards.

(a) Residential lots less than three acres in size shall be permitted to display one ground sign per frontage, at a time. Ground signs are limited to five feet in height and six square feet in sign area. Ground signs on such properties are considered exempt signs and do not require a permit.

(b) Residential lots three acres or larger shall be permitted to display one ground sign per frontage, at a time. Ground signs are limited to eight feet in height and 32 square feet in sign area. ground signs on such properties require a temporary sign permit.

(c) Non-residential lots less than one acre in size shall be permitted to display one ground sign per frontage, at a time. Ground signs are limited to six feet in height and 12 square feet in sign area. Ground signs on such properties require a temporary sign permit.

(d) Non-residential lots one acre or larger in size shall be permitted to display one ground sign per frontage, at a time. Ground signs are limited to eight feet in height and 32 square feet in sign area. An additional ground sign shall be permitted to be displayed so long as the sign does not face a public right-of-way or adjacent property and is located at least 50 feet from any property line. This additional sign is permitted to be constructed of non-rigid material. Ground signs on such properties require a temporary sign permit.

(e) In addition to the allowances above for non-residential lots, such non- residential lots which also feature a non-residential primary structure(s) shall be permitted one wall sign per occupied tenant space on the ground floor, but under no circumstance shall more than three wall signs be displayed on one property at a time. Wall signs are limited to 24 square feet in sign area and require a sign permit.

(f) Subdivision entrance common area lots shall be permitted to display one ground sign per frontage, at a time. Ground signs are limited to eight feet in height and 32 square feet in sign area. Ground signs on such properties require a temporary sign permit.

(g) Residential properties featuring a model home shall be permitted to display one additional ground sign meeting the size limitations detailed above. Both ground signs may be permitted to remain on the property until the model home is no longer available for viewing by the public.

(h) Setbacks. Ground signs greater than 12 square feet shall be required to be setback a minimum of five feet from the right-of-way. Ground signs 12 square feet or less shall be required to be setback a minimum of two feet from the right-of-way. No signage shall be located in the vision clearance triangle or allowed to restrict driver views as determined by the Town Engineer.

(i) Time limits. Ground sign displays shall be limited to the duration of the requested advertisement period, but under no circumstance shall exceed 12 months. A ground sign permit may be extended administratively for up to an additional 12 months by the Zoning Administrator. Any further extensions require the approval of the Board of Zoning Appeals. Wall signs display shall be limited to 30 days. A wall sign permit may be extended administratively for up to an additional 30 days by the Zoning Administrator. Any further extensions require the approval of the Board of Zoning Appeals.

(j) Removal. Temporary signs must be removed upon conclusion of their permitted display duration and may not be issued another permit for a minimum of 30 days, unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Administrator.

(k) Conversion to a permanent sign. No sign manufactured, designed, or otherwise intended for use as a temporary sign shall be used as a permanent sign.

(l) Any non-residential tenant, who has been issued a new certificate of occupancy from the town, shall be granted an additional temporary ground sign for a period up to 30 days. This additional sign allowance must occur within 90 days of the certificate of occupancy being issued and may be displayed at the same time other permitted temporary signage is displayed. Sign size shall be limited as set forth above in divisions (B)(3)(c) and (d).

(Ord. 121410, passed 1-11-2011; Ord. 111114, passed 11-11-2014; Ord. 041216-A, passed 4-12-2016; Ord. 010819, passed 2-12-2019; Ord. 111020C, passed 12-8-2020)

§ 154.146 SIGNS FOR GROUND FLOOR USES.

The signs for ground floor uses shall meet the following standards. These standards shall also apply to any business use occupying multiple floors, and including ground floor uses. A permit shall be required unless otherwise specified in this subchapter.

(A) Sign area. The aggregate sign area shall be equivalent to one and one-half square feet for every one linear foot per tenant/business use with frontage on a public right-of-way or private street.

(1) In no instance shall the aggregate sign area for any tenant/business use exceed the aggregate sign area denoted in Appendix E following this chapter.

(2) The number of graphic elements per sign shall be held to the minimum needed to convey the sign's primary message and shall be composed in proportion to the overall sign area.

(B) Number of signs. A maximum of two signs, selected from the list of permitted sign types below, shall be allowed per tenant/business use. Additionally, no parcel, lot, or site shall feature more than one ground sign per frontage. No tenant/business shall have more than one wall sign per frontage.

(C) Sign types permitted. The following types of signs or sign components are permitted as regulated by this chapter and Appendix E following this chapter:

(1) Wall sign;

(2) Awning sign;

(3) Projecting sign;

(4) Free-standing/unified development sign;

(5) Ground/monument sign;

(6) Changeable copy;

(7) Electronic message board sign;

(8) Time and temperature sign component; or

(9) Fuel station LED pricing component.

(Ord. 121410, passed 1-11-2011; Ord. 111114, passed 11-11-2014)

§ 154.147 SIGNS FOR UPPER-FLOOR USES.

(A) Signage for an upper-floor use may be permitted provided:

(1) The upper-floor of the structure is occupied by a single use that is separate and distinct from the use located on the ground floor;

(2) There is only one square foot of sign area for every one linear foot of building frontage; and

(3) The total square footage of the upper-floor sign does not exceed 50 square feet in total area.

(B) In the event that the upper-floor sign is a wall sign, the wall sign shall be located on the structure between the eaves, cornice or other roof element and the top of windows on the uppermost floor.

(Ord. 121410, passed 1-11-2011)

§ 154.148 SIGN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS, BY TYPE.

(A) Below are the permanent sign standards for commercial, industrial and Town Center zoning district. Only the sign types below are permitted.

(1) Unified development sign. All freestanding unified development signage shall be permitted in lieu of other ground signage. Unified developments must be of a size of at least five acres to erect a unified development sign for the purpose of allowing several businesses the ability to use the sign on a single sign structure. All other signage for the development shall be as prescribed by this chapter; however, as noted above unified development signage is only permitted in lieu of other ground signage. All free-standing unified development signs shall comply with the following provisions:

(a) Free-standing unified development signs. Free-standing unified development signs shall be ground-mounted monument style signs and meets the following minimum standards:

A. The maximum height of a free-standing unified development sign shall be ten feet for all unified developments greater than five acres and less than 20 acres. The maximum height of a free-standing unified development sign shall be 16 feet for unified developments equal to or greater than 20 acres. In no instance shall a free-standing unified development sign exceed the height of the tallest building.

B. The maximum surface area of all free-standing unified development signs shall be 100 square feet for all unified developments greater than five acres and less than 20 acres. The maximum surface area of all free-standing unified development signs shall be 150 square feet for all unified developments greater than 20 acres.

(2) Ground sign. A maximum of one ground sign per public roadway frontage is permitted for each lot, property, parcel, or site provided it does not exceed 36 square feet in sign area or six feet in height as measured from grade level. Ground signs shall be no closer than ten feet from any existing or planned public right-of-way. All ground sign structures shall be constructed of decorative brick, stone, or other masonry, stucco, wood or metal, with the base of the structure constructed of decorative brick or stone. Landscaping consisting of shrubs and perennial groundcover shall be provided at the base of all ground/monument signs with a minimum of two square feet per one square foot of sign area. Under no circumstance shall any lot, parcel, property, or site have more than two ground signs.

(3) Wall sign. A maximum of one wall sign per public roadway frontage is permitted for each primary structure or occupied tenant space (within a primary structure). Wall signs shall be located on the façade of the primary structure facing a public street. In no instance shall a wall sign exceed 50% of the maximum sign area, nor shall a wall sign project more than 12 inches from the wall. Additionally, no sign shall be placed in or on an architectural designed area of a structure that is created for the sole purpose of gaining more signage or additional height for the wall sign. Wall sign area shall be limited as follows:

(a) The aggregate sign area shall be equivalent to one and one-half square feet for every one linear foot per tenant space with frontage on a public right-of-way street.

(b) In no instance shall the aggregate sign area for any tenant space exceed the aggregate sign area noted in Appendix E following this chapter.

(c) The number of graphic elements per sign shall be held to the minimum needed to convey the sign’s primary message and shall be composed in proportion to the overall sign area.

(4) Awning sign. Awning signs shall be considered as a type of wall sign and shall count toward the total number and total area of wall signs permitted by this subchapter. Awning signs shall be limited to those printed or sewn on awnings mounted on the façade of the principal structure. In no instance shall an awning sign be backlit, nor shall the awning itself be closer than eight and one-half feet from grade level.

(5) Projecting sign. No projecting sign shall, at its lowest point with the exception of the supporting building, structure, or column, be less than eight and one-half feet above grade level. A maximum of one such sign per business or building shall be permitted. In no instance shall a projecting sign exceed 24 square feet, nor protrude more than four feet from the building. Proof of insurance shall be required for all projecting signs. For the purpose of administering and enforcing this provision, proof of insurance shall mean proof of insurance with liability limits in amounts subject to the Administrative Officer’s approval or as established by the Board of Zoning Appeals. Projecting signs shall be considered wall signs.

(6) Changeable copy. Changeable copy signs are permitted provided the changeable copy does not change more than once in 60 minutes time and does not exceed 50% of the aggregate permitted sign area. For the purposes of administering and enforcing this chapter, changeable copy signs shall display a static message rather than a message that imitates movement and shall not be interpreted as electronic message boards.

(7) Electronic message boards. Electronic message boards are permitted provided they meet the following requirements:

(a) Location. In any district, an EMB shall be located on the site of the use identified or advertised by the sign. EMBs shall only be permitted in commercial regional and public/semi-public districts. In no instance shall an EMB be located within 125 feet of a signalized intersection.

(b) Setback from residential districts. The leading edge of any EMB shall be a minimum distance of 300 feet from any single-family residential district or use and 200 feet from any multi-family residential district or use unless the multi-family district or use is part of a mixed use development.

(d) Orientation. When located within 500 feet of a single-family residential use wherein the residential use is located within a residential district, all parts of the electronic message board shall be oriented so that no portion of the sign face is visible from any existing or permitted principal structure on the residential lot.

(e) Duration. In no instance shall the image of an EMB update, flash, scroll, twirl, change color, fade in or out, or be anything other than static, more than once in 60 minutes time.

(f) Hours of operation. When located within 500 feet of a residential use, an EMB shall not be illuminated between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

(g) Brightness. In no instance shall an EMB exceed 460 foot-candles during daylight hours or 46 foot-candles for the time period between one-half hour before sunset and one-half hour after sunrise. For the purposes of administering and enforcing this provision, all EMBs shall be equipped with an ambient dimmer control and a black background.

(h) Size. The maximum EMB sign area shall be 24 square feet.

(8) Fuel station pump decals. In addition to the signage permitted elsewhere in this chapter, fuel stations may incorporate the following into their fuel pumps:

(a) Fuel stations may place a maximum of two square feet of signage on each vehicle fuel dispenser (double-sided) having a maximum of two square feet per side of each dispenser.

(9) Pedestrian blade signs. In addition to signage permitted elsewhere in this subchapter, multi-tenant commercial buildings may feature pedestrian-oriented blade signage on the ground floor with the following restrictions:

(a) One sign per tenant.

(b) Max sign area of four square feet.

(d) Minimum eight feet from grade.

(e) Non-illuminated.

(B) Below are the permanent sign standards for residential and Old Town zoning districts:

(1) Types of signs. One double-faced or two single-sided ground type signs shall be permitted at each entrance to a platted subdivision, apartment complex, or other residential development from a public roadway that is classified as a collector or arterial, as identified on the Town’s Thoroughfare Plan Map. However, under no circumstance shall any subdivision, apartment complex, or other residential development be permitted more than three double-faced or six single-sided ground mounted type signs. The sign structure, or structures, shall require a sign permit. Subdivision entrance signs, landscaping, and decorative walls shall be shown on development plans, site plans, and subdivision plats. No other permanent signs are permitted in the residential of Old Town zoning districts.

(2) Sign area. In no instance shall the sign area of a subdivision entry ground sign exceed 32 square feet.

(3) Height. In no instance shall the height of a subdivision entry ground sign exceed six feet as measured from grade level. In no instance shall mounding or other alterations of the natural grade level be used as a point of reference for measuring sign height.

(4) Setback. With the exception of subdivision entry ground signs placed within a median of a boulevard, each sign structure shall be set back a minimum of two feet from any planned right-of-way of any public street. In no instance shall a subdivision entry ground sign be placed within a required sight visibility standard (§ 154.117).

(5) Features. Ground mounted subdivision entry signs shall incorporate design features into the structure such as decorative brick or stone walls, lighting and landscaping.

(6) Landscaping. A minimum of two square feet of landscaping consisting of shrubs and perennial ground cover at the base of the sign structure shall be required for every one square foot of sign area.

(1) Types of signs.

(a) One ground type sign shall be permitted per parcel, lot, property, or site. A parcel, lot, property, or site greater than five acres may feature one ground sign per public roadway frontage, but under no circumstance shall any parcel, lot, property, or site exceed two ground signs.

(b) One wall sign shall be permitted per primary structure.

(2) Sign area. In no instance shall a ground sign exceed 36 square feet. In no instance shall a wall sign exceed one and one-half square feet of sign area per one lineal foot of building frontage, nor shall it exceed 50% of the maximum sign area, nor shall a wall sign project more than 12 inches from the wall.

(3) Height. In no instance shall the height of a ground sign exceed six feet as measured from grade level. In no instance shall mounding or other alterations of the natural grade level be used as a point of reference for measuring sign height. Wall signs shall be located on the facade of the primary structure facing a public or private street. Additionally, no sign shall be placed in or on an architectural designed area of a structure that is created for the sole purpose of gaining more signage or additional height for the wall sign.

(5) Features. Ground mounted subdivision entry signs shall incorporate design features into the structure such as decorative brick or stone walls, lighting and landscaping.

(Ord. 121410, passed 1-11-2011; Ord. 111114, passed 11-11-2014; Ord. 041216-A, passed 4-12-2016; Ord. 111020C, passed 12-8-2020)